Despite economic downturn there continues to be a higher rate of job turnover among graduate nurses (GNs). This served to guide the research question which examined whether the variables - job satisfaction, autonomy, critical thinking, age, ethnicity and unit of employment were predictors of the departure or retention of baccalaureate prepared graduate nurse residency participants. Distinguishing between those GNs who remain from those that depart aids in the understanding of the factors that affect a new nurse graduate’s transition into and continued employment within hospitals.

The study used a quantitative non-experimental research design employing secondary data analysis. Retrospective demographic data were collected from graduate nurses who had participated in the study hospital’s nurse residency program from 2005-2009. Of 427 eligible participants 379 (88.75%) participated in completion of all four data completion elements, McCloskey Mueller Job Satisfaction Survey (MMSS), Gerber’s Control Over Nursing Practice (CONP), University HealthSystem Consortium’s Critical Thinking Exam (UHC NRP) and a demographic data sheet. Attendees will learn about which variables have an effect on retention among graduate nurses. Implications for nurse leaders and for research will be presented